[Which sample for the transport of mycoplasma, eSwab® or dry swab?].

Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), belonging to mycoplasmas, are implicated in genital and urinary infections. These bacteria are extremely sensitive to environmental factors but remain detectable by culture methods. This study aimed to compare performance of detection on samples performed on eSwab or dry swabs.

Homology modelling and conformational analysis of IgE-binding epitopes of Ara h 3 and other legumin allergens with a cupin fold from tree nuts.

Linear IgE-binding epitopes identified in legumin allergens of peanut (Ara h 3) and other allergenic tree nuts (Jug r 4 of walnut, Cor a 9 of hazelnut, Ana o 2 cashew nut) were mapped on three-dimensional models of the proteins built up by homology modelling. A conformational analysis revealed that consensual surface-exposed IgE-binding epitopes exhibited some structural homology susceptible to account for the IgE-binding cross-reactivity observed among peanut and tree nut allergens. This structurally related cross-reactivity seems irrespective of the botanical origin of the allergens and thus demands that persons allergic to peanut avoid other three nuts to prevent possible allergic reactions.